In 'Culture and Collections'

The Cultural Intern Scheme offers successful applicants a paid six-month work-based placement; each offering real opportunities to gain high quality work experience, undertaking meaningful projects at leading cultural organizations in the West Midlands region.

The programme is designed to increase graduates’ knowledge and skills, and for interns to gain an interesting and valuable introduction to the workplace which will enhance their future employment prospects.

The structure of the programme includes joint training sessions based at the University at the start and middle of the internship with individual mentoring available throughout.

Look back at the trials and triumphs of previous Cultural Interns by visiting the Culture at University of Birmingham blog. See below for more information about the scheme and to learn about the experiences of previous interns.

What is the Cultural Intern Scheme?

The Cultural Internship Scheme is an innovative graduate employment opportunity sponsored by the University and its cultural partners. We're looking for positive and creative people with demonstrable interests in -

collections management

exhibition and event management and production

learning and access

business development and operations

arts marketing and audience development

The paid placements run for six months, each offering real opportunities to gain high quality work experience, undertaking meaningful projects at leading cultural organisations in the West Midlands region. The programme is designed to increase graduates’ knowledge and skills, and for interns to gain an interesting and valuable introduction to the workplace which will enhance their future employment prospects. The structure of the programme includes joint training sessions based at the University at the start and middle of the internship, a six month work based placement and individual mentoring.

Each intern will receive a bursary of £7,000 for the period of the programme.

What kind of placements are on offer?

Successful applicants will complete a six-month placement at a leading cultural organisation. Placement details for placements running October 2019 to March 2020 will be published in late May 2019.

Please follow the instructions in the How To Apply Section once you have read all the placement details. One placement is available at each of the organisations. Applicants can apply for one placement only.

What training will I receive?

Each placement has a set of learning outcomes and throughout your placement you will be trained in the skills you require to complete your objectives. The residential and midterm training sessions will focus on core communication and business skills, as well as offering an insight into the cultural industry through expert speakers and visits.

You will have the opportunity to discuss projects and experiences with the other interns and learn from each other’s experiences.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to University of Birmingham students graduating this year and alumni who graduated in the last five years. You will have a 2:1 or first class Honours degree or a postgraduate qualification (MA, PhD etc.)

You will also have volunteering experience within the arts or cultural sector, strong communication skills and an ambition to kick start your career in the cultural sector.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2018/19 scheme are now closed. Applications for placements running October 2019 to March 2020 will open in May 2019.